Oh, peanut butter, how you tug at my heartstrings—especially when transformed into granola! I stumbled upon this recipe during a lazy Sunday morning, my kitchen bathed in golden sunlight, and I swear it was like discovering a hidden treasure. Imagine the warm, nutty aroma wrapping around you like a cozy blanket—this granola is not just breakfast; it’s a little piece of heaven in a bowl!
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 325°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats and your choice of nuts, then set this mixture aside.
- In another bowl, mix together the peanut butter, honey, melted coconut oil, vanilla, salt, and cinnamon. Warm the mixture briefly in the microwave or on the stove until it’s smooth but not bubbling.
- Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over the oats and nuts, stirring until everything is evenly coated.
- Spread the granola evenly on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes, stirring halfway through to prevent burning. Add coconut flakes on top and stir, then bake for an additional 4-5 minutes until golden.
- Remove the granola from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. Once at room temperature, stir in chocolate chips or any other desired add-ins.
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a month to enjoy later.
Ingredients
- 3 cups old-fashioned oats
- 2/3 cup nuts (such as peanuts, sliced almonds, chopped pecans, or a mix)
- 1/3 cup natural smooth peanut butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons melted coconut oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Optional: 1/3 cup unsweetened flaked coconut
- Optional: 1/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips
FAQ
- Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey?
- Yes, you can substitute honey with maple syrup or another sweetener of your choice to suit your taste preferences.
- How can I make this granola gluten-free?
- To ensure the granola is gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats and verify that all other ingredients are gluten-free.
- What can I add to customize this granola?
- You can add various ingredients like nuts (almonds, pecans), flaked coconut, or chocolate chips. Feel free to swap these for your preferred add-ins.
- How long can I store the granola, and what is the best way to store it?
- Store the granola in an airtight container at room temperature, and it should remain fresh for up to a month.
- Can I use a different type of nut butter instead of peanut butter?
- Absolutely, you can use other nut butters like almond or cashew butter as a substitute for peanut butter in this recipe.
Tips
- Add Coconut Flakes at the End: To prevent the coconut flakes from burning, sprinkle them on top of the granola mixture during the last few minutes of baking. This will ensure they are toasted to perfection without getting overly crisp.
- Customize Your Add-Ins: Feel free to personalize the granola with your favorite add-ins such as different nuts, seeds, or dried fruits. You can also choose to add chocolate chips or chunks for a sweeter touch after the granola has cooled.
- Monitor Baking Time Closely: Keep a close eye on the granola as it bakes, especially after stirring halfway through. Granola can quickly go from perfectly golden to burnt, so ensure it’s lightly toasted before removing it from the oven.
- Cool Completely Before Storing: Allow the granola to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. This helps it to become crispier and ensures it stays fresh for up to a month.
Equipment
- Large Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Microwave-Safe Bowl or Small Saucepan
- Wire Baking Rack
